Paramedic salary QLD: Where it sits against the Australian full-time average
Understanding how a paramedic salary in Queensland compares to the national average requires a look at the award system, state averages, and the typical earnings of full-time workers across Australia. This guide uses the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) to give you a clear picture.
The national full-time average: the line
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 puts the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52). This is the benchmark we use on this site – the 'line' that other salaries are measured against. For comparison, the median full-time earnings (the middle point) are lower, at about $90,532 per year, while the all-employees median (including part-time and casual) is about $74,100 per year. These figures come from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, August 2025.
How paramedic pay is set in Queensland
Paramedics employed by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) are covered by the Ambulance Service Employees' Award – State 2016, which is administered by the QIRC. This award sets minimum rates for various classifications, including qualified paramedic, advanced care paramedic, and critical care paramedic. The award is updated periodically through State Wage Case decisions – the most recent general ruling was in 2025, with a 4.75% increase to award minimums (consistent with the national minimum wage rise from 1 July 2026).
Because the award rates are minima, actual earnings can be significantly higher. Paramedics typically work rotating rosters that attract penalty rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Overtime is common, and allowances for things like on-call, meal breaks, and travel can add to the base rate. Enterprise agreements negotiated between the union and QAS may also provide above-award conditions.
Comparing to the Queensland state average
The ABS reports that the full-time adult ordinary-time average for Queensland across all industries is $2,039.70 per week, or about $106,064 per year. This is slightly below the national average. Paramedics, given their specialised skills and shift work, often earn above this state average. However, without a published average for the paramedic occupation specifically, we cannot give an exact figure. The ABS does publish industry averages – for example, 'Health Care and Social Assistance' has a full-time ordinary-time average of $2,037.20 per week – but this includes many roles beyond paramedics.
What about other states?
If you are comparing paramedic salaries across Australia, note that each state has its own ambulance service and industrial arrangements. For example, New South Wales paramedics are covered by the Health Services Union and have their own award. The state full-time averages vary: New South Wales $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Western Australia $115,825, and the Australian Capital Territory $119,090. These averages reflect all industries, not just paramedics, but they give a sense of the local labour market.
The role of penalties and overtime
A key factor in paramedic pay is the penalty system. Under the Queensland award, shift penalties can range from 15% to 50% depending on the time and day. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half or double time. This means a paramedic's total weekly earnings can be substantially higher than the base award rate. For a full-time worker on a 38-hour week, the national minimum wage is $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year) – paramedics earn well above that.
Where to find more information
For the most accurate and current paramedic pay rates in Queensland, refer to the QIRC website for the latest award and general rulings. The Queensland Ambulance Service also publishes enterprise agreements that may include higher rates. On this site, you can place a salary on the line to see how any figure compares to the national average. You can also explore states and territories for state-by-state averages, or job medians for median earnings by occupation. For a deeper look at how these figures are calculated, see how the figures are set.
Summary
While a precise average paramedic salary for Queensland is not publicly available from the ABS or other sources, the award system and typical shift loadings suggest that paramedics earn above the national full-time average of $108,352. The Queensland state average is $106,064, and paramedics likely exceed that due to penalties and overtime. For the most reliable figures, consult the Ambulance Service Employees' Award and any applicable enterprise agreements.
Data sources: ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026; ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, August 2025; Fair Work Commission national minimum wage, 1 July 2026; Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.